St. Patrick’s Day Parade to march Monday

March 12, 2014

The sweet 16th annual Town of Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place Monday, March 17, with a 10 a.m. start at Santini Marina Plaza. This procession follows last Saturday's 55th annual Beach Lions Shrimp Festival Parade.

Those interested in participating in the Luck O' The Irish parade on the south end of Estero Island are asked to gather in the plaza parking lot between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

Former Beach Mayor and known Irishman Ray Murphy is once again the parade chairman. He noted there will be no charge to enter, but donations are accepted to help with costs. No other changes from the yearly format are expected.

Article Photos

FILE PHOTOCelebrate St. Patrick’s Day and green living with a parade on the south end of Fort Myers Beach on Monday. Parade begins at Santini Marina Plaza at 10 a.m. and marches north to the Church of the Ascension.

"We're hoping for some good weather once again for this annual event," Murphy said. "We encourage everyone to wear your green and either participate or watch from the street."

Traffic will be stopped from the plaza to Lanark Street north of the "S" curve at roughly 9:45 a.m. Murphy said the one-hour-long procession would end at the Church of the Ascension parking lot at approximately 11 a.m.

Murphy notes that residents should plan ahead if they need to leave the island that morning.

Fact Box

TO GO BOX

What: Town St. Patrick's Day Parade

When: Monday, March 17, 10 a.m.

Where: Santini Marina Plaza start

After the parade, the Knights of Columbus members will be selling corned beef and cabbage sandwiches, hot dogs and refreshments in the church parking lot.

Like most St. Patty's Day parades of past years, Murphy said one can expect to see color guards, floats, musical bands and civic, business, neighborhood groups as well as the Lee County Pipe and Drum Corps involved in the ceremonial occasion which honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

For more information, questions or entries, contact Murphy at his business at 591-8803 or by email at raymurphy6@aol.com before Friday at 5 p.m.